He enjoys killing because it'll allow him to watch people suffer like he did when his bride to be was murdered on their wedding day. Grief is the emotion he thrives. A great planner, the Honeymoon Killer sticks with details and studies where and when it'll be best to attack his victims. He'll be hunted by Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron and he'll also hunt them. An unexpected alliance will be formed with Kane who will be able to hack in the computer systems and withdraw information that the killer can benefit from. Will Sanchez and Heron be able to stop them? At the same time this investigation is being done, Sanchez will learn that her father has not committed suicide but had been murdered and her sister, Selena, will be jumping into the search for the culprit and her path will eventually mix with that of the Honeymoon Killer. Great plot, fast-paced, The Grave Artist, is a pleasure to read.
I thank the authors, their publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

This well-crafted book had several mysteries all at once, and the connections don't show up until later in the story.

Heron and Sanchez are partners, Sanchez is police and Heron is a civilian, expert in computer hacking and penetration testing. They're in a specialized unit now, and mostly work with each other, although there are often others brought in to assist, including Declan, their AI. I enjoyed the way Carmen and Jake work together, they have a great working relationship that sometimes hints at becoming more.

The mysteries were well thought out, the reader knows who the "bad guy" is from the start, but the motives are unclear until later. It was a quick read and kept my interest. Recommend.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

The pairing of Deaver and Maldonado on their second of this series is suspenseful and dark. Tracking down a killer who murders half of a newlywed couple is definitely not the case that Heron and Sanchez is looking to break. When they learn that there is a pattern and not a one time murder the stakes rise as they try to find the links and similarities. Dubbed the Honeymoon Killer they must race to find the murderer before he kills again.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I am giving my rating based on my own personal opinion and not that of any other party.

The Grave Artist is a thrilling book about a killer targeting people just married. The killer attacks one of the newly married couple while on their honeymoon or before. That's why the police have given the killer the name Honeymoon Killer. The killer tries to make it look like a terrible accident, but the autopsy shows what really happened. Carmen Sanchez and her partner Jake Heron are given the task of catching the Honeymoon Killer before he can strike again. The Honeymoon Killer has Carmen and Jake in his sights. Will he strike against one of them? When one of the victims hits close to home, Carmen and Jake must hurry to catch him before it's too late. The Grave Artist is now available and if you love a good mystery should be added to your TBR list. I rate The Grave Artist 4 stars with a high recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of The Grave Artist in exchange for a fair review. #TheGraveArtist

The Grave Artist by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado is a fast paced thriller where the killer tries to kill law enforcement before they can catch him. Jeffery Deaver always comes through with a great story.

Jeffery Deaver has always been one of my favorite authors. I struggled with this book. There were too many characters and the plot went back and forth too many times. I am sure some of his fans will enjoy it but it wasn't for me. The thought of a serial killer murdering either the bride or groom was an appealing one but too many people and characters were involved with this one for me. Thanks to#NetGalley#TheGraveArtist#JefferyDeaver for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I am loving the Sanchez and Heron series! If you love edge of your seat action, quick and out of the box thinking, twists and turns and a “computer” that is learning as it grows, this may just be for you. The FMC is strong, smart and can kick butt and the MMC is smart, and works within the law when he has to and doesn’t share with Sanchez how other information may have been obtained, especially when working with a time crunch.

While this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book to fully understand the character’s relationships, especially between Sanchez and Heron and Sanchez and her sister.

I can’t wait to find follow their next case!

I would like to thank Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!

Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado have struck it out of the park with this one. Sanchez and Heron are back and in fine form as they tackle a serial killer known as the Honeymoon Killer who targets people on their wedding day and then turns his attention to his pursuers in deadly fashion. A truly scary scenario that has been masterfully brought to life by Deaver and Maldonado. The character development in fantastic, and the story moves along at a breathtaking pace. A real winner.

The Grave Artist, the second installment in the Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron series, delivers a suspenseful and chilling continuation of the duo’s fight against cunning serial killers. This time, the story centers around the Honeymoon Killer, a macabre predator who targets perfect couples, turning their deaths into a disturbing work of art while relishing the grief of the survivors.

From the very beginning, this book grabbed my attention more effectively than the first in the series. The characters—Carmen Sanchez, the disciplined Homeland Security agent, and her unpredictable partner, Jake Heron—feel more natural and engaging from the outset. Their dynamic drives the story, making their investigations into the mysterious deaths both compelling and tense.

The plot unfolds with a blend of meticulous suspense and relentless pacing. Each revelation about the Honeymoon Killer ratchets up the tension, keeping readers on edge as Carmen and Jake struggle to anticipate his next move. The psychological depth of the killer, combined with the high-stakes stakes for the protagonists, makes this thriller both emotionally gripping and intellectually engaging.

Fans of Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado will appreciate the seamless collaboration, which blends intricate plotting, strong character development, and a nerve-wracking sense of urgency. The Grave Artist is a stellar follow-up that builds on the foundation of the first book, delivering a story that is as thrilling as it is haunting.

The Grave Artist by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado is the result of a perfect partnership. Unbelievers should read this book for proof positive. A mentally unbalanced man named Damon Garr had become a serial killer to assuage his grief over the death (turns out murder) of his bride on their wedding day. So now he kills either the bride or groom on their wedding day, making it look like an accident, just as his bride’s had looked. But, he has yet to run into Jacoby Herron and Carmen Sanches, members of a newly-formed task force meant to dal with people like him. Actually a variety of people, all up to no good. Jake is not law enforcement; he is an intrusionist; he teaches and lectures about the people and things that can intrude upon one’s life. It serves him well in his work with Sanchez. As always, there are many things going on at once; many storylines to follow. That’s what makes this story so good. And they often meet in the middle, as do these.

Carmen Sanchez is career law enforcement, and their boss and instigator of I-squared, Intrusion Investigations, Eric Williamson, was at his core, a politician. One needed to be able to work within the system. His team had just successfully recovered millions from a supremely proficient hacker named Tristan Kane. They hadn’t been able to capture him, but that would be forthcoming. He reported to a man who wanted to be the next Director of Homeland Security and was willing to co-opt I-squared to accomplish that. It got very complicated and very interesting. This is a fast-paced book with plenty of twists and turns. Thing to make the reader doubt everyone he sees and government agencies. Thankfully the people make the difference. Then, things all came together. Well worth your time.

I was invited to read The Grave Artist by Thomas & Mercer. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Thomas&Mercer #JeffreyDeaver #IsabellaMaldonado #TheGraveArtist

A wedding reception in the Hollywood Hills came to a tragic end when the groom fell to his death from a steep cliff. After Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security expert Jake Heron investigated the incident they found that the evidence surrounding the death was similar to the work of the serial killer known as The Honeymoon Killer. The killer was more interested in visiting the funerals of the victims and taking in the grief of their loved ones.
As Carmen and Jake begin their investigation, they soon find that they too have been targeted by the killer as the next victims. They desperately move ahead in their investigation before either of them becomes the killer’s the next victim.

Just finished The Grave Artist and I’m still reeling. This gripping thriller—crafted by two powerhouse authors—delivers a chilling, high-stakes ride that’s both cerebral and emotionally raw.

The story opens with a shocking death at a Hollywood Hills wedding. What appears to be a tragic accident is soon revealed as the third in a string of eerily similar incidents. Homeland Security agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner Jake Heron are pulled into the investigation, uncovering a twisted serial killer known as the Honeymoon Killer. But this isn’t just about murder—it’s about grief turned into grotesque “art,” with survivors manipulated into becoming unwilling muses.

The psychological tension is razor-sharp, and the emotional stakes are relentless. Carmen and Jake aren’t just chasing a killer—they’re being hunted. The Grave Artist wants to destroy one and watch the other unravel. It’s a deadly game of predator vs. prey, and the clock is ticking.

As someone who’s read Isabella Maldonado’s work religiously, I can say this might be her most haunting novel yet. Her writing is taut, intelligent, and emotionally resonant. Paired with Jeffery Deaver’s masterful suspense, the result is pure storytelling magic.

If you love thrillers that are smart, dark, and deeply human—this one’s a must-read.

5/5 stars: This is the second entry in Deaver & Maldonado's Sanchez & Heron series which is a BIPOC Police Procedural Mystery Thriller that features a Homeland Security Investigations agent and her partner, a professor, security expert and hacker, take on a new case: a serial killer who targets newlywed couples killing one of them and reveling in the survivor's grief. They'll have to work fast as the Honeymoon Killer's dark obsession has turned to the two of them. Time is running out as a deadly game between predator and prey begins. With plenty of twists and turns, Deaver & Maldonado's write a gripping fast-paced investigative tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final reveal. As always, Maldonado's law enforcement experience shines through. I also really enjoy the hacking elements included. Written in multiple POV, including the killer's, Deaver & Maldonado's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to be back with Carmen and Jake; they're an interesting pair and it's great seeing the two of them working together again. Deaver & Maldonado touch on some sensitive topics; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Fatal Intrusion. An excellent read, highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

When I read The Grave Artist by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado I was impressed by how quickly the story swept me in. The premise about the Honeymoon Killer targeting newlywed couples felt fresh and creepy and I appreciated how the investigation by Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron combined with high tech elements and emotional stakes. I liked seeing how grief and loss were woven into the plot because that added more than just physical danger.

I got attached to Carmen and Jake. Their partnership felt real and their skills complemented each other. I admired when the investigation leaned on both their strengths. The killer’s manipulations of victims through their grief disturbed me in a way that added depth to what might have been just another murderous thriller.

Still I sometimes felt the story was overcrowded. There were so many subplots that I needed to keep track of tech criminals, death investigations, familial issues, grief arcs and procedural detail all at once. Occasionally I wished some of the secondary characters had more time to breathe because then I might have cared about them more. Some of the law enforcement or AI-related scenes felt detailed in a way that slowed me down a little or pulled me out of the tension.

In total I would rate The Grave Artist four stars. I felt it delivers a strong thriller experience and satisfies in suspense, character, and twisty turns. It is not perfect in polish or focus but it gives enough tension, moral complexity and emotional pull to make it worth my time.

The Grave Artist is the second installment in the co-authors Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado Sanchez and Heron series. This story has 4 main characters: Carmen Sanchez, Jake Heron, Selina Sanchez, and the villain of the story. The Grave Artist opens with a shocking tragedy at a wedding reception in the Hollywood Hills, where the death of a newlywed, initially deemed an accident, unravels a sinister pattern. Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, private security expert Jake Heron, uncover that this is the third in a series of similar deaths targeting newlyweds.

Thanks to a new weapon called DECLAN, Carmen and Sanchez decide to investigate the death, and soon learn of others around the world. The perpetrator, known as the Honeymoon Killer, is not driven by the act of killing but by the emotional devastation left in its wake, crafting what he considers macabre “art” from the graves of his victims and reveling in the survivors’ grief. As Sanchez and Heron dig deeper, they discover chilling evidence that elevates the killer’s depravity to a new level.

The stakes escalate when the killer turns his attention to the investigators themselves, setting the stage for a deadly game of predator versus prey. Meanwhile, Carmen's younger sister, a former star in gymnastics, has chosen to go out on her own and investigate her father's murder now that she's got a clearer picture of what really happened to him. The question remains why, and who is responsible. Carmen is a standout with her sharp intellect, resilience, and emotional complexity.

Jake Heron, a private security consultant, complements Carmen with his tactical expertise and calm demeanor, creating a balanced partnership that avoids clichés. Their dynamic is enriched by subtle romantic undertones, which add emotional stakes without overshadowing the investigation. The duo’s newly (and conditionally) approved project is called I-Squared (Intrusion Investigations), which prioritizes Jake’s expertise.

This is really a sequel — it picks up right after the first book “Fatal Intrusions.” The villain is a chilling antagonist whose psychological depth makes him both terrifying and fascinating. Jake’s own mysterious family situation, along with the loose ends of Tristan Kane and Selina’s rogue investigation from the first book, adds a much deeper depth to the story itself. The combination of a chilling villain, authentic investigative details, and a modern technological edge makes it a standout in the genre.

The incredibly talented Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado have teamed up once again, and that can only mean that Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, civilian consultant, Jake Heron are back on the job. In The Grave Artist (the second book in the Sanchez & Heron series) they need to track down a twisted serial killer known as the Honeymoon Killer. His twisted kink? He likes to kill one of the newlyweds, then stage it as an accident, turning what was one of the happiest occasions of a couples lives into the worst. Fast paced, action packed, and with a wonderfully twisting story, I had trouble putting this one down. While I’ve been a fan of Deaver’s work for decades, it wasn’t until I’d read the first book in this series last year that I became a fan of Maldonado. These two work great together and I hope we’ll be seeing many more books in this series in the future. I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of The Grave Artist.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3V4WGYC0UW9X6/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_SRTC99_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

The Grave Artist by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado is the kind of thriller that reminds me why I love crime fiction. This second outing with Carmen Sanchez and Jake Heron had me hooked from the opening pages, and I’d give it a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½.
The premise is chilling—a wedding celebration in the Hollywood Hills cut short by a sudden death that feels far too staged to be an accident. From there, Carmen and Jake are pulled into an investigation that spirals into something far bigger: a serial killer who isn’t just interested in murder, but in the grief that follows. The idea of someone weaponising mourning—lingering at the edges of tragedy, manipulating loss—was unsettling in a way that stayed with me long after I’d put the book down.
What I appreciated most was the balance between pace and depth. There are plenty of twists and tense moments to keep the story racing forward, but it’s Carmen’s inner life, her vulnerability and grit, that grounded it for me. Jake, too, is a strong foil—steady where she falters, but never overshadowing her. Their partnership feels lived-in and layered, which makes the danger they face all the more urgent.
Deaver and Maldonado bring credibility and polish to the procedural details, but they never let the technical side drown out the emotional weight. It’s a thriller, yes, but it’s also a meditation on what it costs to chase monsters, and what grief does to those left behind.
For me, the only dip was a touch of predictability in places—the “killer feeding on grief” trope isn’t entirely new—but the execution here is sharp enough that it still felt fresh.
Overall, The Grave Artist is a tense, darkly imaginative read that blends psychological suspense with grounded investigative detail. I’ll be eagerly watching for the next Carmen Sanchez & Jake Heron instalment.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and the authors for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

We’re back with another absolutely gripping crime thriller, and this one had me hooked from page one. Carmen and Jake are once again thrown into a high-stakes case, this time hunting down the person responsible for turning wedding nights into tragedy by leaving newlyweds alone before the honeymoon even begins. The tension is relentless, and every twist pulled me deeper into the mystery. What really elevates the story, though, is how Carmen’s personal life collides with the case—her sister is once again putting herself at risk while chasing down the truth about their father’s death. Watching these two threads weave together was nothing short of brilliant, a testament to the author’s ability to balance complex plotlines seamlessly.

I devoured this book in a single day, unable to step away until I reached the final page. The pacing was electric, the emotional beats hit hard, and I’ve found myself still replaying certain moments in my head long after finishing. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you, a roller coaster ride of suspense and emotion that keeps you guessing at every turn. If you love thrillers that balance heart-pounding action with layered personal stakes, this one deserves a spot on your TBR immediately.

HSI Carmen Sanchez and her consultant Jake Heron uncover a connection between an “accidental” drowning here in the US with two others in Italy, and they are working as hard as they can to put the pieces together before the serial killer strikes again.

This is the second installment in this series, and to say there is A LOT going on here would be an understatement. There’s the serial killer, Russian espionage, a connection to the mafia, leadership upset at the agency Sanchez works for, a possible love triangle, and the investigation into a cult leader on the run. And let’s not forget the two story lines carried over from the first installment: the ongoing side investigation into the killer of Sanchez’s father, and the continued hunt for the malicious hacker who has thus far thwarted all of Heron’s efforts to capture him. Yes, it’s a lot, and it’s a bit of an overload, but it does make for a fast-paced, action packed read, and I look forward to the authors continuing to develop these characters and to see what comes next!

NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer kindly provided me an ARC of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.